2007.12.27 BOZA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting July 12, 207 - page 2 to the applicant advising him the driveway and shed be brought into compliance by September 28, 2007. A follow-up inspection was conducted on October 1, 2007 and found the property not in compliance. At its October 15, 2007 meeting, the City Council discussed this issue and directed the City Attorney to send a final letter to Todd Christensen stating the need for him to contact City staff within seven days and make arrangements for the handling of the issue. The City Attorney advised Todd if contact was not made within seven days, that the City would commence legal action to remove the portion of the driveway that was in violation of the ordinance and assess the cost to his property. Todd contacted staff after receiving the letter and stated that he is working out of state for a long period of time, but Mike Heska would represent him by applying for a variance and being preset at the meetings. Mike Heska, 1055 Lake Beach Drive, Shoreview, was at the meeting and informed the council he was representing the applicant. Mike explained that Todd lived at the home and had two renters. With trailers and boats, more people coming and going, and the inability to park on the street, the driveway was needed as is. He said it was well constructed and did not have a retaining wall. He said the applicant could remove the illegal section of the driveway when he moved and they could remove the shed in the spring. He pointed out there were several other sheds and oversized driveways in the neighborhood. He asked for a variance, even temporarily, and stated the applicant worked out of state and was rarely home. Mike said he oversees the property and makes sure the grass is cut. Schumann opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and Schumann closed the public hearing. Puleo stated that the Board had tried to be very accommodating but Todd never attended any of the meetings and did not react until the attorney sent a letter. He was given a year to more the shed and still has not. Heska said he would move the shed himself in the spring. The Board questioned whether the applicant had given Heska authorization to negotiate for him. Burmeister said he failed to see a hardship and had an issue with the driveway going all the way to the property line and into the easement. Puleo made motion, Burmeister seconded to recommend denial of the variance. All ayes. Motion carried. Adiournment Puleo made motion, Burmeister seconded, to adjourn at 6:58 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried.